Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki yesterday said the continuous coexistence of Nigeria as a nation was due to the huge contributions of ex-service men.

He stated this at the lunch of the ‘emblem appeal fund’ at the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration held at Urhokpota Hall, King’s Square in Benin City.

Accompanied by the Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, Obaseki said the former soldiers made huge sacrifices that were responsible for the peace and unity being enjoyed today in Nigeria and assured them of the state government’s support.

He said, “the fact that we have a country today is as a result of the effort of these great men. So we should not always take it for granted that Nigeria is what it is today because God made it so.“Yes, God did it, but some people have sacrificed their lives to make sure this country remains united and to that, we say, we are thoroughly really grateful.

“I want to also use this opportunity to thank you for the role you played and the support you gave to the government of Edo State particularly during the election in the state last year.”

Obaseki said his government would look at the possible ways of incorporating the ex-servicemen into the policies and administration of his government.

Clarifying his administration’s recent ban on collection of revenue by non-government actors, Obaseki said government discovered that their activities were negatively affecting government, particularly local government in paying their subvention.

Earlier, the Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Legion, Edo State Command, Osawaru Johnbull Awanbor expressed delight in this year’s lunch of the emblem appeal fund describing the day as very special in their lives “because it is a day set aside to celebrate and honour the fallen heroes and the families they left behind.”